Faried survives first round of Team USA cuts

Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

Denver Nuggets Power Forward Kenneth Faried has survived the first round of cuts from the USA Basketball team that is slated to play in the FIBA World Championships beginning August 31st.  Faried survived while Washington Wizards Point Guard John Wall, Wizards Shooting Guard Bradley Beal and the Atlanta Hawks Paul Milsap were let go by Director Jerry Colangelo and Head Coach Mike Krzyzewski.  Faried is the only Power Forward remaining on the roster and he feels pretty good about his chances to make the team.

"“I’m very high on my chances,” Faried said Monday. “I believe I left a lasting impression for the coaches to like me and make me part of the team, so I can help the U.S. bring home gold this year.”"

Faried has been regularly praised by Krzyzewski during the practices and scrimmages with team USA for his energy, rebounding prowess and ability to run the floor in transition. Dan Feldman with Probasketballtalk.com thinks that Faried will be one of the last 4 players let go before the team heads to Europe but after reading the reviews from Colangelo and Krzyzewski, I have to disagree with his assessment. I think Faried will fit perfectly as a role player and add energy and interior defense to a fairly undersized USA team.

I am rooting hard for Faried to make this team because it will do wonders for his confidence when he returns to Denver and playing with the great players on this team can only help him while going against them in practices and scrimmages.